January 2016

Happy New Year! After a wonderful break, we are all getting back into our school routines. The children seem enthusiastic to be back at Thoreau, well rested and eager to share how they spent their winter vacations with friends and staff. With the start of a new year, this is the perfect time to reaffirm our commitment to preparing our students to become active participants in their learning. During our last whole school assembly we spent time discussing how the beginning of a new year can be a great time to identify a goal, resolution, or achievement we would each like to attain in the new year. We talked about how, with a little reflection and planning, each of us can turn our “spark” into a reality. I encouraged each student to think about something he or she would like to achieve this year, write it down, make a plan, and strive to reach their “spark” every day. Some students shared their intentions to remember to bring their instruments to school on band days, be more patient with a sibling, or practice a particular sport more often. I was inspired by their thoughtfulness and struck by how quickly the students identified an area for improvement and I encourage you to ask your child, “What’s your spark for 2016?”Last week brought our first snowfall of the season and with the coldest temperatures this winter predicted for this week, it is officially time to get out the winter gear. During recess, students may play in the snow if they wear their coats, snow pants, hat and gloves/mittens. Unless it is below freezing students will be going outside for at least one of their recess periods each day.

Warmly,

Mrs. Charles

Coats for Kids: Last Week

The Concord Middle School Coats for Kids Club needs your help. Their annual Anton’s Cleaners Coats for Kids drive is underway! Please consider donating any gently-used coats for the needy this winter by sending them to school with your child. The drop off box is by the office. We accept any size coat, from infant snowsuits to oversized adult, but please do not donate clothing other than winter coats. The drive runs until January 8th, 2016. If you receive a new coat for the winter consider donating your old coat to Coats for Kids. Thank you very much for your generosity!

Upcoming Events

January 5th: Early Release Tuesday for all students.

January 12th: Early Release Tuesday for all students. PTG Meeting: 9:00 AM

January 18th: Martin Luther King Jr. Day, no school.

January 26th: Early Release Tuesday for all students.

February 2nd: Early release Tuesday for all students

February 5th: Report Cards mailed home.

IEP BASIC RIGHTS Workshop

Date: January 14th, 7-9pm

Location: Concord Carlisle High School, 500 Walden Street, Concord

Do you have a child/teen on an IEP? This free workshop is designed to help you learn how to be an effective partner with your child’s school – and how to plan, make decisions and monitor your child’s progress in school. Learn your rights and responsibilities under Massachusetts Education Law. This workshop is highly recommended for those who have never attended an IEP Basic Rights workshop before. For planning purposes an RSVP is appreciated, but not required. Please RSVP and send questions to concordsepac@gmail.com. Hosted by the Concord and CCHS SEPAC: http://www.concordsepac.org.